President Barack Obama's visit to Israel reaffirms the deep and multifaceted relations between Israel and the United States. These relations are rooted in shared values and common interest.

The State and people of Israel know America will always have Israel's back when it comes to Israel's security. Together, our two nations are working to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear military capabilities and denouncing those who seek to twist history and the 3,000 year old connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel.

America's support and cooperation on joint defense ventures give Israel the ability to defend itself, by itself. The visit is a powerful message of friendship and the strong alliance between our nations.

Some may seek to point out the differences between us, but the true indicator is looking at how close we truly are. It is an unbreakable alliance based not only on our mutual security interests and economic interests, but also on our shared values and common interests.

We are proud to welcome President Obama to Israel to highlight the friendship between our two nations - a bond that is stronger than it has ever been.

• Watch the live broadcasts from President Obama's visit to Israel

Itinerary of visit

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

12:30 – Welcoming ceremony at Ben-Gurion International Airport
Presentation of Israel’s multi-layered defense system: Iron Dome, Magic Wand, Arrow 2, Arrow 3
16:00 – Meeting with President Shimon Peres
17:30 – Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
20:10 – Press conference at the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
20:30 – Dinner at the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Thursday, 21 March 2013

09:10 – Tour of the Israel Museum
Presentation of the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book, Special technology exhibit in honor of the President: "Israel Technology for a Better World"
Visit to the Palestinian Authority
17:00 – US President’s speech to students at the Jerusalem International Convention Center (Binyanei Hauma)
18:00 – Meeting in Jerusalem with embassy and consulate-general personnel
20:00 – State dinner at the official residence of President Shimon Peres, with the participation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife

Friday, 22 March 2013

08:50 – Wreath-laying ceremony at Herzl’s grave
Wreath-laying ceremony at Rabin’s grave
Visit Yad Vashem
10:50 – Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
12:30 – Visit Church of the Nativity
15:10 – Departure ceremony at Ben-Gurion International Airport with the participation of President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu